The Excursion

The Guided Gold Panning Excursion is a day trip to a private gold claim in the historic gold district above Red River, New Mexico. We meet in Red River on the morning of the excursion and transfer to a trail ready Jeep Wrangler. This is the vehicle of choice for this terrain but because of its size it will be very crowded so there is a limit of four plus the guide. Conventional vehicles are too large for the trail and likely aren’t capable of the rigors of forging a river and the climb. The mountain trail we will traverse was hand hewn in the late 1800’s for transporting mining supplies by pack mule. In 2006 the narrow rock face trail sections were widened to accommodate small motorized vehicles.

Expectations

Yes, there is still gold to be found, even though the old-timer prospectors did their best to claim it for themselves. You will find gold on this excursion. But the nature of prospecting dictates that it can be of any size and quantity. Our experience has shown that the majority of the gold is tiny flakes. Not uncommon are “pickers” - small nuggets large enough to pick up with your finger tips.  Occasionally pea size nuggets will reluctantly reveal themselves. The willing “prospector” will develop the skill of panning and learn to use a small hand sluice. On the way up we will visit an abandoned mining camp, ruins of a gold mill and its ore hopper still filled with gold ore and learn about the formation of gold and how nature concentrates it in the stream bed.

Be Physically Ready

The claim is at an elevation of 10,400 feet so it is wise to acclimate before attempting to work at this elevation. Visitors who have arrived recently from sea level should expect to spend at least three days in the area to allow their body to acclimate before this trip.  We will not do any distance hiking but even normal activity at this elevation can be exhausting. The stream where we will prospect for gold is about 100 yards and a drop of about four stories from where we park. Getting there is an easy path.  At the end of the day, getting back up is a task you must be capable of handling. You won’t be rushed, stopping for breaks is encouraged. Cell phone coverage is spotty, emergency vehicles can’t make the trip and air evacuation is unlikely in this terrain.

What We Provide

We will provide the instruction and the equipment necessary to prospect for gold in a stream environment. This will include hand tools, pans and several types of sluices. A camp style port-a-potty will be set up and also a shelter tarp to protect us in the event of a surprise mountain shower. 

What You Need to Bring

Exercise in the mountains will give you a healthy appetite. Bring sandwiches, water and snacks. A wise mountaineer must plan for the worst circumstances so as not to be caught unprepared. For your part, you should plan to dress in layers; this will allow you to be comfortable throughout the day, removing extra clothing as the day warms or adding if a shower passes over. Mountain streams are cold but not unbearable and ours is usually less than six inches deep. Wear shoes which you don’t mind getting wet. However try to avoid cold feet; the best protection is waterproof foot gear to keep your feet dry and warm. In the excitement it is likely that you will end up in the water so bring an extra pair of dry socks. You should wear garden gloves to protect your hands, waterproof is nice but not necessary. Wear sunscreen. Even though we will be in the

shade most of the day, the intensity of the sun is much greater at this altitude. If you are prepared, the day will be enjoyable and a wonderful learning experience you won’t soon forget. 

The ART of GOLD PANNING                                                     

The Art of Sluicing for Gold

The guided gold prospecting excursion is a fundraising project organized by the Enchanted Circle Gateway Museum with the excursion fee going toward our building campaign. The day excursion is to a private gold claim. It will provide participants the excitement of recovering gold from a stream using the equipment and hard earned experience the old-timers used in their search for gold. The cost is the same regardless of the number making the outing; however my Jeep can accommodate only four plus the driver. The fee is $200 and can be scheduled to accommodate your schedule. The gold you find is yours to keep. I provide the equipment necessary to extract gold from the streambed as well as vials to display your gold. Please read the attached excursion information to determine what you should bring. 

The private claim is in the mountains above Red River, New Mexico.  We will traverse a river and climb the mountain by Jeep. The trail was blasted out of rock in the late 1800's to allow passage for pack mules used to supply prospectors. Not much has changed since then; the trail is a little wider now but it is still rugged and isolated country. Abandoned mining camps and log cabins still remain, though aged with the passage of time. We will use practices and equipment similar to that of the old-timers. I have attached some basic instructions on the use of the gold pan and sluice to give you an idea of how we use this equipment. I will cover it in detail and give you plenty of hands on experience at the gold claim. I have also attached hints on how to make the trip comfortable and safe.